Estelle gently turned and pulled the large brass handle, entering the
dimly lit hallway. Burgundy paint, gold paneling, paintings of
landscapes, and small tables decorated the corridor. The guest
quarters and public rooms were the same. The rest of the castle,
servant quarters and most of the rooms down below were not so nicely
done, stone walls remaining instead of paneling. Estelle was glad for
these changes, walking in dancing slippers was more comfortable on
flat wood than rounded stone. Candles stood in holders on the small
tables, they were only lit at night for the windows that appeared
when the corridor touched an outer wall usually let in enough light.

It
took Estelle nearly ten minutes to cross the large castle to the
ballroom. She was already on the second floor, so at least there was
no vertical movement. The noise increased steadily as she went
forward, closer to the top of the staircase she would descend. A
general murmur could be heard through the green velvet curtains
hiding those at the top of the stairs until their time came to
descend. Estelle, upon entering the circular shaped waiting area
looked for the familiar faces she knew were there.

Silver
hair told her where her aunt and uncle stood. His grace, Ramsey
Trahern, was not a tall man, nor was he very old, only forty-seven,
yet he was easily recognizable. Estelle thought him sweet. He was
kind, and compassionate, just and not intimidated. These things come
with age, he once told her. His face drooped slightly, giving him
slight jowls, but the only wrinkles were at his forehead and around
his eyes. Equally happy and concerned throughout his life it would
seem. He spoke animatedly to Cora; she didn't want to know what
about. Cora looked oddly young, it must have been the ivory gown,
green didn't seem to be her best color. Cora's graying chocolate
hair perched in a bun atop her head with strings of pearls woven
through the strands, a pretty effect.

"I
don't understand," Estelle murmured quietly, "Where is everyone
else? At least Irwin should be here, should he not?" She heard boot
heels click lightly on the floor as someone came up behind her and
gently touched her elbow. She suppressed a flinch.

"He
has already descended, long ago." Keane told her, bending slightly
to whisper in her ear. "And you were right; I should have withheld
my compliments until you were clean." He murmured flirtatiously.

"I
was nearly late?" She asked turning her head so she could see him
better, touching her closed fan to the back of her hand the dragging
it up to her wrist. Welcome company, but not so familiar.

Keane
straightened, but still spoke low, "Nearly. Ah, your aunt and uncle
now leave. We still have a few minutes." His hair had been tied
back in the customary fashion, only in private with friends would it
appear down. She wanted to see it down.

"You
are so lucky black goes with everything," She whispered back. Black
breeches, boots, and waistcoat, but an ivory shirt and silver lining
on the waistcoat. "Including yourself. You match so well."

"Even
if he looks like death." Vladimir came up on her other side.
Belatedly, Estelle remembered to curtsy to them both. "I apologize,
your highnesses, I did not pay you the respect I should." Her head
tilted down, Estelle did not see the slightly menacing look pass from
Keane to Vladimir, a "now look what you've done, you ruined it"
look.

"Estelle,"
Keane said, taking a hand and making her rise, "Please—"

"The
Duke and Duchess Ramsey and Cora of Trahern!" An unfamiliar herald
called out. Estelle clinched her jaw at the sudden loud noise, but
turned around to see the curtains part to admit her aunt and uncle.

"With
whom will I be descending? I apologize for my ignorance, no one
thought to tell me what is expected." Please, she prayed, please
don't let them think me stupid.

As
Vladimir wouldn't look at her, it was Keane who answered. "With
the both of us, lady, we are to present you to the Regent."

"Oh,
thank you." Present her? But an older sibling, family member, or
friend of a higher station traditionally did that.

"We
are happy to do so. I'm afraid you will be walking between us down
the long stair; if you think you might slip; try to regain your
balance our arms.

Estelle
nodded, the reason people typically descended in twos and usually a
man and a woman was so the woman could use the banister and have her
escort assist her if she slipped on her skirts. She held her hands in
front of her skirts. "My lord Vladimir, I just noticed you too wear
a dark color. Yet you do not fear looking morbid?" She had
remembered to pay attention to him this time, he was just as
important as Keane; she could not afford to not commit him to memory
as well. He stood taller than her and so close to the height of Keane
she couldn't tell the difference. He was a brunette, his hair
falling past his shoulders, though it too was tied back. Perhaps
these were the men that made the fashion? His eyes were hazel, she
noticed. His face was darker than hers and Keane's. It looked more…
weathered. Had Gailea said it was Keane who toured the countryside
with his men hunting down bandits? She would have guessed it was
Vladimir. Of course he would wear black. The station of Prince,
Regent and royalty all incorporated black into their colors. The
Regency was black and gold, Lothomonad black and crimson, Misae was
black and blue, Wylin black and silver, Eraddig black and green, Kern
black and ivory, and Tavarius was black and bronze, until she lost it
all. Vladimir dressed almost exactly as Keane, except instead of
ivory, his shirt was sapphire. How odd that he too wore silver
accents and trappings. Well, they are presenting me and thus should
correspond with me, unless Vladimir knows of another woman wearing
silver.

He
answered slowly, almost as if it pained him to speak with her. This
did not bode well. "I considered it, I must admit, but some of us
look better in it than others."

Keane
smiled, "And you, dear lady, will make it look much better than all
of us combined." Vladimir looked away again. "They are about to
present us, let us go. Val, would you mind walking on Lady Wylin's
left and I shall be on her right?"

"Of
course." He went up to stand behind the dark curtain, waiting for
them to get in position. Estelle bent slightly to lift her hemline;
she had a sudden fear of falling, and approached the curtain beside
Vladimir with her heart beating quickly. Again Keane came up beside
her, just touching the inside of her elbow. She felt her body
straighten perfectly, like a horse in show. Expecting the noise this
time, Estelle did not flinch inside her solid poise.

"The
Prince Keane of Lothomonad, the Prince Vladimir of Misae, and the
Lady Estelle of Wylin."

"Once
a lady, always a lady." Estelle said through a smiling mouth as the
sheets of cloth pulled aside, greeting them with the sound of people
talking. Of course, they were watched eagerly, and not everyone was
looking for a fault, but here were their superiors, and a young woman
who walked beside them of no status, even though she too would soon
join their rank. The walk down the marble stairs seemed
excruciatingly long to Estelle. She was being presented again; every
eye of every eligible man would be resting on her and weighing her
worth. At least Worden, may his reign be long and peaceful, awaited
her at the end. His majesty, the Lord Regent Worden, was only forty,
and in her eyes, maturely handsome. Despite she had never seen her
ruler very often; they had always been what she would describe as
"friends". He had been her father's friend, and it was to his
side she had first been brought to when her parents had died.

Keane
looked at her from the corner of his eye, as if he sensed her
nervousness or sadness, but did nothing. They were not so close he
could, and nor would he since too much tradition was in this
ceremony. Estelle looked straight ahead, and met no one's eyes
except for the Regent's. They reached the floor in step and she
realized they were slowing their strides for her; they're making me
look good. Faster, Essie, don't take forever. Of course, she
couldn't move much faster without stepping on something,
fortunately, however, the length between the floor and the dais
wasn't very long.

Dressed
in the colors of office, gold and black, the Regent sat in a red
plush chair, watching their movement with scrutinizing crystal blue
eyes. He had tawny brown hair and a close-cropped beard. She forced
an amused smile to stay dormant at his clothing black and gold did
not suit everyone. She noticed his attention was not on her escorts,
but on her alone. Her eyes twinkled with the attention. She stopped
nearly ten feet from the dais and curtsied low enough her head was
eighteen inches lower than it was. She would be so glad when she
would have to descend only a few inches: her knees were already
beginning to ache.

"Lord Keane and Vladimir, I must thank you for bringing to my
attention the fiery beauty that resides here at Trahern. You may
rise." They had bent themselves at a thirty-degree angle, why they
even bothered, Estelle couldn't say. "Lady Estelle, please rise."
Estelle could almost feel her knees grind as she went back to her
fully vertical position. "It is well to see you again, the years
drift by slowly without you being at Court. Your birthday is coming
soon, is it not?" That is what she would call a leap in subjects.

A
slight buzz rose behind her, birthdays were always magnificent when
the full court was present. "Your majesty, I am so insignificant I
can't even imagine you know I exist, let alone miss my slight
company. However, my birthday is near, my lord. I shall turn eighteen
in five days time." The noise level rose slightly, a coming-of-age
could potentially be fun, and for someone of Estelle's granted
rank, it would be spectacular.

"So
most of Court shall be present for your ceremony."

"It
would seem that way, my lord." Estelle made sure he face was
carefully smooth, she did not think she would enjoy where this ended.

"That
is well then, my dear, for your brethren, your companions, and myself
have undertaken the great task of setting up a masquerade for you to
accompany the ceremony where you rise to your proper station."

Estelle
felt her eyes opened wide from shock and a slight presence of fear.
"My lord, I am extremely grateful, but no one shall have time to
get all of the costume and dress required for such events in time."

Worden's
laugh was deep and rich, it was flavorful, like a very old red wine.
"Lady, these plans have long been in place, it is only you who have
not known." Which meant they had their costumes ready and she had
been measured and had a costumed created without her knowledge. She
prayed it wouldn't be anything too embarrassing.

Regaining
her composure, she inclined her head, "In that case, I must
congratulate everyone on hiding this from me and I thank you for
remembering me during these hectic times." Her voice was raised to
allow them all to hear, and her face did seem like she was gratefully
concerned.

"It
was our pleasure; you must speak with me soon, Estelle. We have much
to talk of."

"As
my lord says." She bowed her head; she could only imagine what that
conversation would be like. At the dismissal she curtsied and backed
away two steps before turning and heading to the left, towards the
general area where she always met Gailea at these social events, near
the windows. Gailea's black hair was not so common as one would
think.

"Essie,"
Gailea hissed, swiping open her fan and waving towards herself. Come
here. "I felt myself go red for you! To have that dumped on you in
front of everyone! I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you, I promised I
wouldn't, but don't worry, I helped choose your costume."

"I
feel slightly better, I must admit, knowing you had a hand in this.
You look charming." Gailea wore a dress that hung off her shoulders
of a powdery blue color, slashed intricately in a net pattern that
peeked silver.

"At
least this night and the last night are the only days I have to wear
our colors."

"Can
you believe there are eight more days of festivities?" Estelle
asked with a sigh.

"We
leave on day nine. I don't remember this room being so big, did
Cora renovate?" Gailea smiled with glee.

"A
few summers ago, she and uncle decided to save this room for formal
occasions. You'll notice there is no red carpet on the floor or
stairs, thus giving the illusion of space, and since it is not
divided, it can be used for either ceremonial purposes or leisure.
The palace has them separated, does it not? I don't remember and
yes, I promise I shall visit once you are back there. The glass
windows and doors where we stand are a true luxury, leading to the
private lawn and gardens. As I'm sure you have seen, the doors
leading to the dining room are on the back wall to our left next to
the stairs. I think the servants come out of the doors on the East
wall, across from us here, to deliver food, drinks, calls, and so
forth. The ceilings are two stories high, white paneled with gold
gild, as are the walls that are not glass. One amazingly large and
beautiful crystal chandelier lights the room, mainly, in the center
of the room, and as you can also see, there are little candles on
brackets lining the East and South walls where the balconies cast
shadows."

"You
speak as if you made the plans yourself," Gailea said, meaning she
had been slightly overwhelmed and bored at the fountain of
information.

Estelle
smiled, "I am in here often."

"Doing
what?" Gailea always had an insatiable curiosity.

"The
light is beautiful at sunset; I wish I could paint a picture of it.
Perhaps I will show you tomorrow?"

"Perhaps
tomorrow, we shall see what your family has prepared for us. I don't
suppose you know?"

"No,
I think Cora purposely left me out of the arrangements. I'm very
opinionated apparently."

"Apparently.
I think they said dinner would be ready in a few more minutes, and
then we are to dance afterwards. Nothing too fast I hope, else
someone is likely to collapse from cramps."

"It
is only an introductory, a dance catch up on old times, they will
play things slow enough for one to talk through." Estelle spoke
lightly; she would not favor these first few dances. "With whom are
you attending this night's festivities?" She asked, only now
remembering she was supposed to be with Keane.

"Are
you trying to incite jealousy in me? I know Keane is accompanying
you, did you leave him somewhere?" She subtly stood on her toes to
look above the roving heads of people, then her ruby lips parted in a
smile. "Ah, here is Keane comes to his fair lady's side now, with
Vladimir. Do you think him a hanger?"

"Vladimir?
You are asking me, is this a test? I have not known either of them
long enough to judge. I am surprised Vladimir is not with another
lady, but I do not think he is simply attached to Keane, they are
friends, and I see no problem with him with us. Do you?" While she
did not have reason to defend Vladimir, he had not been particularly
friendly to her, after all.

Gailea
touched Estelle's gloved arm gently, her own pale blue clothed hand
bedecked with silver and white gold. "I have nothing to show he is
not what he seems, but he always seems on edge, and that makes me
uncomfortable. I suppose I find him odd, and that bears watching."

Estelle
slowly pulled her arm away, shaking her head. "As I have said, I do
not know them enough to pass judgment, he is most likely tense
because we little people are always watching him and trying to be his
'friend'. I'm sure he is a nice person. Hush now, here they
are."

"Along
with five other true hanger-ons."

"Be
nice, Gailea." Estelle chided her gently, turning to meet the new
comers. She smiled softly.

"Duchess,"
Keane said almost clicking his heels together as he bowed over her
hand. Estelle saw Vladimir incline his head.

"Your
highness," Gailea responded sweetly, curtsying gently.

"Lady,
I though you were in agreement with me I was to be your companion, I
feared you had run off with another." Keane did enjoy flirting it
seemed.

Estelle
inclined her head, looking mock affronted. "I promised, you,
Lord Keane, my company tonight. I would not break my word. I simply
do not have the countenance to hold anyone's attention for long,
and so to keep them riveted in the future, I must leave before they
take their fill." She raised her lashes to see who had issued the
low chuckle and realized with pleasure it was Vladimir.

"Is
that why you never grace court, Lady, so we will want what we cannot
have? How very cruel of you." A woman in ruby and white came to
enter their group.

Estelle
blanked, what was her name? She looked to be in her mid-twenties with
dark auburn hair and a face that had just enough flesh to miss the
"thin" measurement. A glance at her hands only revealed a signet
ring, Baroness, but not married. "Baroness, from what I hear and
know of court, some of our brethren could benefit from being deprived
of something that is only what it appears. We mustn't strain minds
that would search for something that isn't there."

The
circle had grown to hold eleven people; at least she recognized eight
including herself, Gailea, Keane, and Vladimir. The other four were
two countesses, one baron, and one duke Three faces, however,
remained unknown. All of them laughed, quietly, but they did.
Flatterers, she thought dully. She didn't think her retort was that
funny, she had been insulting most likely at least half the Court and
none of the people were her very close friends. Estelle hid her
disappointment though, it would not be right for them to see, maybe
they did think it was funny, maybe they were semi-intelligent.

"From
what I hear, lady," the Baroness started again, why was she with
people so far above her station? She must be looking for someone who
will take her on, "That might be just as well, they might have to
look at the origins of such a flawless thing and see what they can
shred there."

Estelle
opened her fan and hid part of her face behind it, but in a way the
inside of her hand could be seen. On the defense but an open hand.
"If that is so, perhaps I will continue to stay away until called."
She swept her hand down in front of her, the back of her hand facing
out and closed the fan. Subtlety needs to be watched, be warned. She
smiled and laughed, holding up her hands as if to defend herself as
the protests rose from the crowd. "Perhaps I will reconsider, maybe
I shall come soon." Soon is such a relative term. She would have to
prepare the Wylin lands and estates for its mistress' return. The
red haired woman said nothing, but smiled as if she had been joking.

Estelle
wondered how much of her fan language had been understood, obviously,
not much. The use of fans did not come into fashion except under
rulers where things could not be said openly. A few decades back had
been the last serious use. So most of these people would not
understand if anyone other than Gailea did.

Gailea
came up to her side when they saw people starting to move towards the
North wall. An older servant approached their group to declare supper
was being served. As the group moved away, including the red woman,
Estelle held back, waiting for them to pull ahead, "Gailea,"
Estelle intoned, her voice a note higher to produce a sound of
genuine interest, "Who is that woman in red and white? I do not
know her." Had her words been a true warning or an under toned
threat?

"Nor
should you," a voice sounded almost a foot above her head and to
the right. Estelle felt the tendons in her neck tighten in surprise.
Why did she keep forgetting Keane was right there? Because you are
not used to having someone doting on you like this.

"Why
should I not know her, your highness? She seemed acceptable. Unless
you are speaking of her station?" She took the proffered black and
silver clad arm when she paused, it had been so long since she had
seen the colors together in so long she had not noticed they were her
own. She looked up into his face, silently taking note of the way his
dark eyes were narrowed and brow slightly furrowed as he glared after
the Baroness.

"Her
title is not what concerns me, but the way she tries to crawl up the
social ladder at everyone else's expense. The Baroness Deirdra of
Sovann is not to be taken lightly," he slowly led her after the
others. She was dully aware of Vladimir and Gailea following behind.
"She will hound you for weaknesses if it will serve her
purpose." The tail of his hair swung as he shook his head. "My
advice is to avoid her if possible."

Estelle
watched red and white ruffles sway and disappear as they passed
through the large doors. "I don't suppose you are going to tell
us how the dinner arrangement was prepared, Estelle?" Gailea's
voice sounded behind her, mischief ringing clearly.

"I'm
afraid not, dear friend, Cora felt I might give something away. Cora
seems to think I'll do many things, come to think of it." She
twisted her slender neck just enough for Gailea to catch a glimpse of
a smile that said Cora might have good reason to mistrust her.

"I
wonder if it has anything to do with that maid who claims the estate
is haunted by wolves and other such animals." Gailea shot at her,
testing her reflexes? Typical.

Estelle's
face adopted a mournful look, as she explained to Keane and Vladimir,
"That poor woman, she was cursed with nightly visions that would
not leave her be until she left the estate, leaving behind a fair
amount of valuables to appease the spirits. We are fortunate the gift
worked, for I have not heard of anymore demons." A corner of her
mouth twitched, she was so out of practice! Anyone could read her
expression anymore and see what she was thinking. It would not do.
Her thoughts turned back to Deirdra's last words. She wished she
had a better black opal, one that would tell her of malevolence
without alerting the whole room. Threat or warning, threat or
warning? By Keane's words, it would be a threat; however, she
couldn't form any true conclusion until she learned more. A thought
for storage.

The
great mahogany doors were held ajar by a pair of fine looking young
serving men. Well, they weren't exactly holding the doors
open so much as standing in front of them. Leaving a marble for
wooden floor, they passed through the entrance into the large dining
area. "Now this was clever," Keane vocally applauded.

((Please
leave review to tell me what you think, liked, didn't like, or how
I could improve. All critiques are welcome, and I thank you now for
those of you who are so thoughtful as to review my works. Good
tidings upon you. However, I thank all of you for reading thus far.
Chapter Six shall be coming soon.))

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